Battery Charger? Overkill?

[josh1981]

So I want to add a second battery to my boat this year. Basically for the peace of mind. I am going to have a switch with a blue sea acr. I am wondering about charging the batteries when not in use. Should I not over think it and just throw a charge to them before use. Or maybe get a trickle charger and leave it hooked up while here at home. Or maybe even an on board charger ( http://www.iboats.com/ProSport-Gene...4916320--**********.492056843--view_id.391380 ) . The simple part of me says I am overthinking it and just make sure they have a good charge before I go out but then the other side of me says it would be nice to plug in an on board charger when I get home and forget about it. Any opinions.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

Get one of these, ProMariner ProSport 20+...

Wire it to one of these charger inlets...

Plug in your extension cord, walk away...

The one shown is a Marinco inlet, ProMariner also makes one where you don't have to cut off the plug from the charger.

Just remember to unplug next time you take the boat out...

 

[josh1981]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

The pro sport 20+ ? That seems like way overkill. I was thinking the pro sport 8 or 12. Also cant I just plug the charger directly into the extension cord and not worry about the charger inlet? Thanks

 

[josh1981]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

Where is that plug available at? Nevermind.
I do like the idea of the plug but now I really feel like I am getting carried away for my 20ft play boat with the occasional overnighter.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

The Pro Sport 12 will work just fine. Yes you can plug it directly in but the Marinco plugs sure come in handy.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

Sorry about the 20+, I just like 10A chargers more than 6A.

But, the inlet is a nice thing to have keeps things neat and tidy. Here's the one ProMariner makes where you don't have to cut off the plug from the charger.

You can get them at Turtle Marine, for instance. Not the only place they're available...

 

[john from md]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

Chargers are like electronics, always buy the best that you can afford. Depending on how much you use the battery, the six amp may not bring you up to full charge by the next day. Lead acid batteries sulfate when not charged and this leads to early failure. You always want to keep them topped up if possible.

The additional amperage does not mean that your battery will be getting full 10amps all the time, these chargers have circuits that input the optimum charging current that the battery needs at that point in time. The better chargers switch to a battery tender at the end of the charge.

Your electrical system is not the place to save money. It takes a beating throughout the season and if it fails, you will be stuck waiting for Seatow.

John

 

[seabob4]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

The additional amperage does not mean that your battery will be getting full 10amps all the time,...

With the PM 20Sport and 20Sport+ (as well as the larger chargers), they put out an equal 10As to each bank. When the greater batt is charged, the 10As from that bank is put towards the lesser batt. until that one is charged...

That's one of the reasons we switched from Guest...

 

[ProMarJim]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

With the PM 20Sport and 20Sport+ (as well as the larger chargers), they put out an equal 10As to each bank. When the greater batt is charged, the 10As from that bank is put towards the lesser batt. until that one is charged...

That's one of the reasons we switched from Guest...

SeaBob4,

Thanks for all the great feed back. One thing we like to pride ourselves on is innovative products and our customer service. If there is anything I can help you will in the future please feel free to contact me directly. In addition, anyone reading this please feel free to email or contact me with questions.

Jim Mitchell
ProMariner
Manager, Technical Services Group
jmitchell@pmariner.com
603-766-7603

 

[seabob4]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

SeaBob4,

Thanks for all the great feed back. One thing we like to pride ourselves on is innovative products and our customer service. If there is anything I can help you will in the future please feel free to contact me directly. In addition, anyone reading this please feel free to email or contact me with questions.

Jim Mitchell
ProMariner
Manager, Technical Services Group
jmitchell@pmariner.com
603-766-7603

Jim,
Bob Christiansen here from Proline Engineering. Good to see you here! I know we have talked in the past. See you are a new member. PM me and I'll suggest some other "venues" to get the ProMariner name out, as well as talk about chargers and their duties.

Ever since we got that first ProSport 20 and dropped her in a bucket of water (and yes, she still works fine, 3 years later), I was sold...

 

[Boatist]

Re: Battery Charger? Overkill?

Josh1981
What ever you do do not buy a trickle charger. Most have no voltage regulation and if left unattended will destroy your batteries.
In stead by a good automatic charger, or Smart charger, or battery maintainer.
All the on board charger I have seen will shut off when charge complete and not over charge.

The very most important thing you can do to extend the life of your batteries is to fully charge as soon as possible.
If you wait to charge until your just before your next trip the batteries will not last long at all.
When batteries are not fully charged battery damage starts. The longer it is discharged the more damage is done.
Also in the off season should still be charged every couple of month. The warmer it gets the more often the batteries should be charged weather used or not.
Battery self discharge happends quicker in hot climits.
The more easy you make it to charge your batteries then the more you will do it and the longer they will last.
Never leave a battery discharged.
I can tell you that a group 27 battery used for a trolling motor utill 2PM then charge as soon as get home with a 10 amp automatic charger until 3 AM the next day when time to head out for the tournment will still not be fully charged.
If you prefish the day before a tournment then get a charger with more than 10 amps.